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A Helpful Guide to Dealing with Osteopenia

Jun 22, 2019
Woman Flexing for Orthopedic Surgery Specialists in Suffolk county, NY

Your health is of utmost importance, and if you are encountering any health problems, it’s best to seek medical attention and advice sooner rather than later. This is especially true for orthopedic conditions affecting your musculoskeletal system. There are orthopedic surgery specialists in Suffolk County, NY, who would be happy to help you understand more about conditions such as osteopenia, and how you can properly cope with low bone density! Here are some of the key things you should know about osteopenia, which will hopefully help you come to terms with your diagnosis and learn more about your health.

Living Healthy

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with osteopenia, it’s important to wrap your head around what this condition actually is. Osteopenia occurs when your bones are weaker than they once were, but not weak enough for a full osteoporosis diagnosis. Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones are so thin and weak that they break easily. Osteopenia can turn into osteoporosis over time if your bones continue to get thinner and weaker. To prevent that from happening, it’s important to take a look at your lifestyle and try and fit in some essential treatments and healthy habits that can slow down osteopenia and hopefully prevent osteoporosis.

The more you can strengthen your bones, the better! Your regular routine should include physical activity. You can choose forms of exercise that interest and entertain you, but you definitely need to get your body moving. Just like muscle, bone becomes stronger when you use it consistently. Think about weight-bearing exercises in which your body has to work against gravity, such as dancing, walking, stair climbing and lifting weights. By getting your blood pumping and staying active, you are doing your entire body and overall health a favor, not just your bones! Your orthopedic surgeon will be impressed with your dedication to doing things that are good for your body and your osteopenia diagnosis.

Man Stretching for Orthopedic Surgery Specialists in Suffolk county, NY

Eating Right

There’s a lot to be said for eating healthy, nutritious foods on a regular basis. It’s not only orthopedic surgeons who will tell you that, but doctors and healthcare providers across a variety of fields. Having a balanced diet coupled with exercise is the best way to keep extra weight off and stay healthy. If you want to avoid orthopedic surgery down the road, you can take the steps to prevent this now by incorporating healthy foods into a calcium-rich diet with lots of vitamin D. This will allow you to keep your bones strong and sturdy, which is exactly what you need when you have osteopenia.

Seafood like sardines and salmon with bones have plenty of calcium, as does tofu, broccoli, collard greens and more green vegetables. You can also get your calcium fix from dairy products such as yogurt, cheese and low-fat milk. You can still eat the foods you enjoy, but by adding more calcium and balance to your diet, you will be making a difference to your bones and setting yourself up for more success. Plus, cutting back on salt, fatty foods, alcohol, and tobacco will put you on the right track to improving your bone strength.

If you’re suffering from osteopenia and you need professional medical support, make an appointment with one of the orthopedic specialists at Peconic Bay Medical Center today.